Work has started on a new 4-door sedan based on the FT-86 platform.

Although it's nearly a half decade away, we are hearing reports that the next-generation IS sedan will make its debut sometime in 2013. The reason, according to our sources, is that work has started on a new 4-door sedan based on the FT-86 platform. For those who are not familiar with the , it's the concept car that made news at last year's . As the spiritual successor to the old Levin AE-86, a car we called the coupe, the rear-wheel-drive FT-86 will make its debut in June 2012.

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As for the , this car will be built atop a stretched version of the FT-86 chassis. boss Akio Toyoda is keen on spicing up Toyota's image into one with a more powerful emphasis on sport, so we hear the next IS will look and perform sportier than the current model.

While the FT-86 sports car will be powered by EJ20 engine (2.0-liter flat-4), the IS will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and/or a 3.6-liter flat-6. The 2014 Lexus IS F will continue with a high-powered V-8 that'll make the luxury sedan a presence on the racetrack.